SCU Student Competes in Miss Oklahoma Prelim Pageants

SCU Student Competes in Miss Oklahoma Prelim Pageants

Southwestern Christian University junior Savannah Tardibono was awarded this year’s first runner-up at the Miss Oklahoma City Scholarship Pageant held on Saturday, July 7th at the Bruce Owen Theatre on the campus of Oklahoma City Community College.

Celebrating its 90th year of existence in 2013, the Miss Oklahoma City Scholarship Pageant is one of several preliminary pageants that fall under the Miss America organization. Winners of the Oklahoma preliminary pageants advance for the chance to compete for the Miss Oklahoma crown. The mission of the pageant is to ‘provide a program offering scholarship assistance and career opportunities for young women who are interested in career and educational advancement with the State of Oklahoma.’ (www.missokc.com)

Because of Savannah’s success in the pageant, the 21-year old multidisciplinary major received a $3400 scholarship to Southwestern Christian University.

“I love that the Miss America organization emphasizes the need for young women to be educated,” stated Savannah. “They require all contestants to be enrolled in school and judge you by virtues other than outward appearance. That is one key reason I choose to compete in this particular pageant.”

Savannah’s platform for the pageant was Drive for Life: Distracted Driving – something she can strongly relate to and would like to see prevented.

“A friend of mine was involved in a fatal accident last year that was caused by distracted driving, so I understand the consequences and want to help prevent this from happening to other people,” Savannah emphasized.

A long-time dance enthusiast, Savannah put her lifetime love and hobby to a good use in the talent competition – the most important part of the pageant as it accounts for 35 percent of the total score. Besides talent, Savannah took the stage for the lifestyle and fitness, on-stage questions, and evening gown segments of the pageant.

“Another very important part of this competition is the interview process,” said Savannah. “The judges want to see what you are really about and if you are able to support your platform once you are in the spotlight. Knowing my platform was one of the most important preparations that can be done for this event.”

Even though Savannah merited an impressive first runner-up in the Oklahoma City pageant, the petite, blonde-headed high achiever is not ceasing her competition in pageants. Her utmost goal is to compete in the Miss Oklahoma pageant scheduled in June 2013. However, to be able to achieve that goal, Savannah must compete in more preliminary pageants in the meantime until she is crowned winner and eligible to advance.

The next stop for Savannah will be Tulsa, Oklahoma where she will compete for Miss Green Country Scholarship Pageant on Saturday, July 21st at the Bishop Kelley High School Auditorium.